Step 9: Things to-do while you're away

Have a fantastic experience! Here are a few things that you should do while away (while learning and having fun, of course):

Register courses with the Office of Transfer Affairs

In the event of a course change, please notify the Office of Transfer Affairs by e-mail, transfer@uvm.edu or at (802) 656-8230.

Check Your UVM Email Account!

UVM will continue to send official notices to your UVM e-mail account, so be sure to check it frequently, or forward it to the e-mail address you will be checking. E-mails we may send include reminders about course registration, housing, and individual communications in the event of an emergency in your host country.

"If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home."— James Michener

Keep in touch with family and friends

Study abroad is an exhilarating experience where students explore new levels of freedom and independence. Although you are an adult, people still care for and worry about you, so please keep in touch with family and friends. Let them know you've arrived safely.

Check in regularly by phone or e-mail.

Provide emergency contact information in the country where you are studying. This can be an in-country representative of the program or of the international office of the university where you are studying.

When traveling, leave a general itinerary with friends and family and set up regular times to contact them while traveling or when you return.

Locate local medical facilities

Inquire with your host institution's international office or program provider regarding the local healthcare system and the process of locating a doctor. The local embassy or consulate can also help you locate English-speaking doctors in your city or country. In the event of a major medical emergency or situation in remote locations, contact SOS International at the number on your SOS card or on the emergency section of their website. Your SOS #: 11BSGC000020

Your UVM Status while abroad

Your status while studying abroad on an approved program is "Continuing Off Campus." Your Dean's Office will expect you to return to UVM upon completion of your program unless they hear otherwise from you.

Notify your Dean's Office if you do not plan to return to UVM the semester following your program

If you plan to spend an additional semester overseas but will not be studying officially through UVM, contact your Dean's Office and request that your status be changed to "Leave of Absence."

You must cancel your enrollment if you do not intend to return to UVM at all, to avoid being billed for tuition, etc.

If you wish to extend your Study Abroad beyond the period approved through the Study Abroad Approval Process,

contact your Study Abroad Advisor to complete the UVM approval process for the extended period. Check this website for current deadlines. Requests submitted after these dates will not be considered.

Be sure to notify OIE of any changes to your study abroad plans.

Students who participate on Approved Study Abroad Programs and complete the Study Abroad Approval Process may be eligible to receive some financial aid while abroad. Financial aid packages will be recalculated to reflect the costs of the study abroad program. Students receiving financial aid should note the following:

Financial aid may be reduced if you withdraw from a course while abroad. If you have any questions about your financial aid award while abroad, please contact:

Guide to UVM Libraries while abroad

Preparing to Return to UVM

In order to facilitate a smoother transition back to UVM it is important that you take care of some things BEFORE you leave your host country/institution/program.

Have you obtained a copy of all of your course syllabi? Remember, these must include the number of credits, number of lecture and seminar/lab hours, name of your professor/instructor, bibliography, and copies of any assignments that you have completed. Keeping copies of all of your coursework will aid in the transferring of your credits.

Do you know when you need to register? Have you registered for courses?

Have you paid your UVM student account?

Do you know the deadlines of when you need to apply for student loans? Complete your FAFSA?

Will you be living in an on-campus residence next year? Ensure that you apply for housing by the deadline.

Do you know how to request an official academic transcript? When can you expect your transcript to arrive at UVM?

Have you paid all of your financial obligations before leaving your host institution/program?

Registering for UVM courses while abroad

You can register for the next semester's UVM courses online if you have access to the internet. If you do not have access to the internet, you must designate someone to enroll you for your classes while you are abroad. Make sure they have your access information so they can log into your account. Choose someone who's reliable and trustworthy.